The Ayawaso West Municipal Assembly (AWMA) on Wednesday, 29th July 2026, disbursed a total of GH¢304,770 from the District Assembly Common Fund (DACF) allocation for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) to 47 beneficiaries at a ceremony held at the AWMA Conference Hall.

The disbursement forms part of the Government's commitment to promoting the welfare and socio-economic empowerment of Persons with Disabilities following the recent increase in the District Assembly Common Fund allocation for PWDs from 3% to 5%. The increase is aimed at providing greater support to enhance the livelihoods and economic independence of Persons with Disabilities across the country.

Following a needs assessment conducted by the Municipal Social Welfare and Community Development Department, 40 beneficiaries received cash support amounting to GH¢244,500, while 7 beneficiaries were provided with deep freezers to support their businesses. In addition to the deep freezers, each of the seven beneficiaries received GH¢1,000 as start-up support to facilitate the operation of their businesses.

Prior to the disbursement, all beneficiaries participated in a financial management training organised by the Municipal Business Advisory Centre (BAC). The training equipped beneficiaries with practical knowledge on financial planning, record keeping, savings and investment to ensure the support received is utilised effectively and sustainably. Beneficiaries indicated that the funds would be used for various purposes, including healthcare, education, personal upkeep and the expansion of existing businesses to improve their livelihoods.

Addressing the beneficiaries, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Hon. Dr. Michael Mensah, described the initiative as a demonstration of Government's and the Assembly's commitment to inclusive development, noting that the support is intended to empower Persons with Disabilities to become economically independent and contribute meaningfully to national development. He stated "this fund is more than financial assistance. It is an investment in the potential, aspirations and visions of our cherished Persons with Disabilities. By empowering them to pursue education, sustainable livelihoods and independent living, we are building a more inclusive and prosperous municipality for all.

The MCE further assured beneficiaries that the Assembly, through the Municipal Social Welfare and Community Development Department, would undertake periodic monitoring to ensure that the support provided is used for its intended purpose and achieves its objective of improving the socio-economic well-being of beneficiaries.

Also present at the event were the Municipal Coordinating Director (MCD), Mr. Gordon Dormayele, the Presiding Member, Hon. Emmanuel Adjei-Tutuani, some Assembly Members and some officials of the Municipal Assembly.

The Ayawaso West Municipal Assembly remains committed to promoting social inclusion and ensuring that vulnerable groups, particularly Persons with Disabilities, are empowered through sustainable interventions that improve their quality of life and contribute to the overall development of the municipality.

Source: Information Services Department, Ayawaso West Municipal Assembly.